Jiangyou, a county-level city in southwest China's Sichuan Province, has been embracing surging tourism popularity since the release of Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" in January this year, as the place is believed to be the hometown of this mythical figure with extraordinary powers.
In Jiangyou Oriental Mythology Theme Park, visitors can see various elements related to Ne Zha, such as the dragon palace and the dragon king, and can also enter the 4D cinema to travel through the mythical dragon palace immersively.
"This place is really great, with both high technology and traditional culture," said a child visitor.
The Foye Cave Scenic Area is another popular attraction related to mythological figures, as it served as one of the filming locations of the 1986 TV serious version of "Journey to the West", an iconic 16th-century Chinese novel.
Meanwhile, in another grotto-heaven cave strewn with stalactites in various shapes where constant temperature is pleasant all year round, tourists can also experience a rafting project of more than 3,000 meters, passing through caves, canyons and colorful forests.
"We came from Chengdu City, and our kids enjoy rafting. After we got here, we found that the landscape in the cave is indeed quite unique, and the rocks inside are shaped gorgeously," said another visitor.
In addition, the most famous local food street, Huopao Street, is always crowded with people, with traditional local food like pig intestines, braised chicken feet especially popular among visitors.
According to statistics, since the release of the animated blockbuster, the number of tourists received by various scenic spots in Jiangyou City in the first quarter reached over 2.29 million, an increase of 19.8 percent year on year.
Sichuan mythology-themed park enjoying popularity as "Ne Zha 2" heat continues
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is ready to completely withdraw from the governmental scene in the Gaza Strip and engage in a positive and constructive manner with the second phase of the plan to end the war in the enclave, said Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim on Friday. In a statement, Naim said that the ceasefire deal became an international plan after being adopted by the United Nations Security Council. However, it is now facing obstacles.
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reneging on his commitments and escalating the situation, in an attempt to return to war and save his political career. Pointing out that Israeli strikes have caused hundreds of casualties since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Hamas official said the escalation cannot occur without cover or green light from the United States. He said Hamas has committed to all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, as attested by the mediators and the U.S., adding that it is ready for the second phase of the agreement.
He emphasized the Movement's commitment to the establishment of a fully empowered Palestinian body to administer Gaza, and its complete withdrawal from the governmental scene.
Naim warned that the situation will not be sustainable if the continued escalation of Israeli military operations and the persistence of the catastrophic humanitarian situation remain unaddressed, adding that the circle of fire may expand, which is what Netanyahu aspires to.
Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities on Friday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.
Hamas ready for complete withdrawal from Gaza governmental scene: official
